The rising epidemic of fake service dogs

Commentary by Rick Williams

We have all seen them; dogs in public places such as grocery stores, malls, and restaurants wearing those capes or vests with words such as, "Service Dog," "Assistance Dog," "Companion Dog" or "Support Dog." But who are they and what are they doing there?

Dogs have a natural desire to be close to humans and the ability to be taught a wide range of tasks. When properly certified in obedience, social abilities, and task-specific skills, this training may cost upwards of $50,000.

Once trained, these dogs are granted the protection of access into public places by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which allows them to provide assistance for their human partners with disabilities. According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, including those with service animals while in public or at work-related facilities.

The scope of services that these amazing dogs provide is wide, including: retrieval skills, opening doors, turning on lights, balance control, hearing and sight assistance, seizure alert, and the ability to detect diabetic emergencies. Many dogs have been placed with "Wounded Warriors" who have suffered debilitating physical injuries or to help alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

Unfortunately, there is a rising epidemic of unethical people willing to exploit the system by masquerading as a disabled person and putting an imitation "Service Dog" vest on their pet dog in order to gain favorable treatment from shop owners, restaurants, amusement parks, airlines, etc.

This widespread abuse makes it extremely difficult for establishments to determine the difference between a legitimate assistance dog and a phony. Although fake service dogs are relatively easy to spot by their unruly behavior, the fear of being accused of discrimination makes it very uncomfortable for business owners to validate those people with legitimate needs and authentic dogs. The people entering an establishment with an animal can only be asked two questions by the management: "Is this a service dog?" and "What is it trained to do for you?" Asking further questions is considered a violation to the person’s right to privacy.

Failing to allow access to a legitimately disabled person and their dog can result in fines of up to $55,000.

The problems associated with illegitimate service dogs are widespread and hard to regulate. The right to privacy can compete with an establishment’s right to provide a safe environment for its customers.

Finding a resolution for this ongoing dilemma may be a long-standing and difficult balancing act between privacy and discrimination. One answer is to contact our state law makers and urge them to continue to address the issue by creating standardized guidelines for business owners and the public alike. Another solution is simple: "Please do not try to pass your pet off as a service dog."